Doha: HE Minister of Endowments of the Syrian Arab Republic Mohammad Abu Al Khair Shukri emphasized that the State of Qatar’s positions during the Syrian revolution were commendable and unforgettable.
According to Qatar News Agency, during his visit to Doha leading a Syrian delegation, His Excellency noted Qatar’s significant contributions to Syria’s reconstruction efforts, highlighting the strong bond shared between the two nations. He underscored the importance of strengthening relations between Doha and Damascus across various sectors.
The delegation’s visit to Doha included gaining insights into the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs’ digitization initiatives, and the Syrian Ministry plans to implement similar strategies. His Excellency praised the Qatari Ministry’s openness to cooperation and support in this endeavor.
The visit also aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation in mosque affairs, Islamic law institutes, Quran printing, Quran circles, the Zakat Fund, and preaching. The Syrian delegation examined Qatar’s Zakat Fund experience, with Syria recently establishing a similar fund to support the needy, though it remains in its early stages due to past challenges with endowment issues.
HE Shukri also learned about Qatar’s Quran memorization initiatives and expressed Syria’s readiness to collaborate in this area, sharing expertise to mutually benefit both nations. Discussions for future joint projects, including memorandums of understanding, are ongoing and anticipated to be finalized soon.
Reflecting on the revolution’s impact, HE Shukri stated that it led to an inclusive state valuing human freedom. He discussed challenges faced by the Syrian government, particularly in legislation respecting religious rights, emphasizing the new government’s commitment to granting religious freedom.
Highlighting the restoration of over 600 mosques since the previous regime’s fall, HE Shukri noted the continued efforts to rehabilitate more than 1,500 mosques destroyed during the conflict. He recognized the challenges faced in rebuilding state institutions but expressed confidence in Syria’s recovery and reintegration into its Arab and Islamic milieu.
HE Shukri lauded the unity among Syrians, many of whom returned from abroad to contribute to the nation’s reconstruction. He commended the skilled individuals within the new government and the widespread workshops aimed at restoring Syria’s prominence.
Concluding his remarks to QNA, HE Shukri acknowledged the critical support from countries like Qatar and other Arab, Islamic, and foreign nations that extended aid and lifted sanctions, expressing optimism for Syria’s swift recovery and reintegration with Arab and Muslim communities.